• Check out the latest Fantasy reveals

THE BLUES were a far more exciting team to watch in 2016, and their AFL Fantasy scores reflected that with a big improvement in team numbers across the board.

The highlight of the year was Patrick Cripps (MID, $601,000), taking another step towards superstar status as the stoppage specialist took his average from 86 in 2015 to 99 this year. 

Click here to subscribe on iTunes.

Sam Docherty (DEF, $609,000) certainly took his game to the next level in 2016, quickly becoming one of the best half-backs in the competition. His durability and consistency make him a tantalising prospect in 2017 after playing 22 games for an average of 101, dropping under 74 on just one occasion and reaching triple-figures in 12 games. He is a safe set-and-forget player who doesn’t mind rewarding you with the odd 140+ score.

Marc Murphy (MID, $482,000) is in the mix to be the bargain of the season if he is fit to go in 2017. We all know what Murph is capable of at his best, averaging triple figures three times in his career, including an elite 111 in 2011. When Murph was fit last season, he showed he still has what it takes, with three 100+ outings and a handful of respectable scores. The reason he is so cheap is because injury caused two shocking scores of 35 and 15, which had a big influence on his average given he played just ten games.

Billie Smedts (FWD/MID, $259,000) is an interesting prospect considering he is a former first round draft pick who is coming into his sixth year in the system. He has moved to the Blues in the hope of receiving more opportunity, but also hopes to have some more luck with his body after injury all but ruined the last three seasons. Smedts has certainly shown he is capable of finding the ball at the lower level, so keep an eye on him given he is basically priced the same as the early draft picks.

Jarrod Pickett (FWD/MID, $150,000) has moved to the Blues in the hope of receiving more opportunity, and given the fact the Blues' avenues to goal are few and far between, he may have come to the right place. The former No.4 pick is certainly an excitement machine when up and running, so if he can have a good pre-season and is named round one, you couldn't say no to his bargain basement price tag.

It’s not technically his first year, but it will be interesting to see if the former No.10 pick Harry McKay (FWD, $150,000) has developed enough to earn a spot in the best 22. He faced a big setback with injury delaying his start to the VFL season this year, but eventually hit the park in round 15 where he showed some glimpses. He won’t be a huge contributor, but is certainly worth tracking given his price.

There was a lot of talk about Bryce Gibbs (MID, $636,000) having a bad year after an off-season in which he requested a trade to the Crows, only to have negotiations fall through with Carlton rejecting all offers. I don’t think that will be the case at all - Gibbs is a professional and he will pick up right where he left off last season, dominating. In 2016, Gibbs averaged over 105 for the third time in his career, and his role under Brendon Bolton is certainly conducive to scoring Fantasy points.

Dale Thomas (MID, $451,000) has had his name thrown around Fantasy circles over the last few years, but given he is not available as a forward, it is safe to rule a line through him this pre-season. Hopefully he can bounce back to something close to his best, but it looks unlikely given the troublesome injuries constantly holding him back. 

Follow @AFLFantasy on Twitter and like us on Facebook to stay up to date this pre-season.